Monday, October 15, 2007

Well, I'm not sure what I can add to Bonnie's race story, nor do I truly want to take away from it. I did run more this half marathon distance than I have in the past. I officially PR'ed by just over 8 minutes from my half marathon in April......wooohoooo!!!!!

My time was 2:38:20 and my old time was 2:46:40. I had an 11:59 pace, I'm surprised I came in under 12 minutes per mile. I felt good the first half, making the turn at 1:16:00. At mile 4 I encountered a couple of dogs, large dogs, large barking snapping dogs that threw me off my gait for a while, plus they scared me to the point I thought I was being attacked.

The last 5 miles I ran and walked, but ran more than I walked, it was definitely not the run/walk pace that I had done for other races. At mile 11 though I hit a pretty hard head wind that seemed to just about bring all runners to a standstill. I did run the last 6 miles or so leapfrogging with 2 women that were also doing more than just a run/walk routine. It turns out that Bonnie had be-friended their spouses and family at the finish line...and when Bonnie saw me coming down the stretch...just over a quater mile and let them know...they also told her that their wives were just behind me.

I had a great cheering section at the finish line...making sure that I stayed ahead of the two women...I felt great at the finish, feeling that I could have run further.

I did start out with some sort of pain in my left ankle and foot that made my foot seem almost dysfunctional for about 5 of the first miles....it eventually went away.....at least somewhat, but it was a hinderance to start out with.

Marathon Maniac #788 Interview

The Runner in Me

"Back of the Pack" runner, husband, dad, friend, Marathon Maniac #788. Running has introduced me to new friends, locally as well as thru the net, it has improved my health, and it allows me that inner peace when the pain disappears, the sweat become unnoticable, the breathing becomes automatic....the high!!!